HATCH had another fun project with one of our HATCH Creatives, the digital artist Cosmic.Pancake.
This time, Cosmic.Pancake’s inspiration takes us to their backyard to see a glimpse of their orange tree that they profess produces the most delicious little spheres of sunshine in the coldest months. Their latest HATCH project, Cara Cara Friends, is a delightful burst of good vibes. We had this wonderful and fun artwork printed on the cap of Opus 88 mini pocket fountain pens, allowing you to take a piece of this sunshine wherever you go.
About the Pen
This pen model is a versatile and reliable pen from Opus 88 that features the blend of a translucent body and a printed cap accented with a stainless steel clip.
While it’s a mini-pocket, it boasts a huge ink capacity with its eyedropper filing mechanism that can easily hold up to two (2) to three (3) ml of ink. And like other popular Opus 88 pens, this model also has a built-in shut-off valve so you can have mess-free adventures wherever you go. The cap is also postable, and its diameter is similar to many standard-sized fountain pens, so you can hold it comfortably, which is great for long writing or drawing sessions.
What makes Opus 88 mini pockets even better is that they are available in different designs. With this HATCH Exclusive, you might discover a new design to add to your collection!
About the Art
You’ll find that the artwork on this pen shows two playful oranges over a periwinkle background. Other elements like the white orange blossoms, yellow-green leaves, and sparkles complement this fruity scenario with the friendly and happy worm smiling in his cute corner.
Cosmic.Pancake shares that Cara Cara Friends is a reminder that there are bright things to enjoy and savor when things seem dreary. This pen gives you an excuse to use the brightest orange ink you own!
“When you write with this Opus 88, I hope it brings you all the happiness.”
This is our HATCH Creative’s love letter to citrus.
Cosmic.Pancake extends the universe of Cara Cara Friends by personally designing its box sleeve. It’s a lovely surprise for those who have ordered this HATCH Exclusive mini pocket pen. Are you interested in exploring more of Cara Cara Friends? Get yours only here at EndlessPens.
About the Artist
Now that we know about the pen and the art, this is a great chance to know about our featured HATCH Creative.
But before you read any further, you can first grab a cold orange juice or a soothing tea with fruity orange notes.
Now, with a tasty drink in hand, read about this interview as Cosmic.Pancake shares more about their inspiration and journey as a graphic artist for work and passion.
Question 1: Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to start making art as @cosmic.pancake? Who / what influenced your craft?
Cosmic Pancake: First of all, hello! I started making art as Cosmic Pancake very recently, actually—just a few months ago. The name is inspired by love for space and my cat, Pancake (who is my cat soulmate). I have been an artist and graphic designer since 2008, but I decided that I wanted to create my own brand separate from my personal graphic design freelance work. I’ve worked on a lot of different design projects over the years, but I definitely always wanted to draw more and do more illustration along with my design work.
Question 2: Your art is amazing! I would love to hear how you describe your art style and how it has changed over time.
Cosmic Pancake: Oh man, it really was a struggle for me to really find my own style and figure out what kind of art was natural to me and felt the most fulfilling to me. I went to art school and while studying there I was exposed to a ton of designers and illustrators that were all new to me. A lot of them have inspired me to explore more of the style I was most interested in–mid century modern design and art. I am continuously inspired by the incredible illustrations by some of my favorite artists: Mary Blair, Matte Stephens, JP Miller, Miroslav Sasek… I could go on and on but I’ll stop there, haha.
For a long time I tried fitting into a bunch of different boxes that I thought was what would be popular or interesting to people, but over time I have learned that finding my own voice was what I needed. I think my art style is mid century modern inspired, but I deviate frequently depending on how I want to draw something and how I might see an idea in my head. Sometimes it doesn’t always stick to the same style.
Note: This image shows the Concept Art for Cinderella (1950): Cinderella in front of a mirror by the American artist, Mary Blair
Question 3: What are the top 3 art tools you can’t live without?
Cosmic Pancake: For sure it would have to be Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Procreate. I used to do all my illustrations in Illustrator, so it has a special place in my heart. I use Procreate on my iPad when I draw most of the time now. And Photoshop is just infinitely useful.
Question 4: I know you recently attended an art show. Can you tell us more about your art brand and where can we find upcoming events?
Cosmic Pancake: Yes, I had two art market events I was a vendor at recently! It was my first two times publicly presenting as Cosmic Pancake. I learned so much already and I hope that I can continue to tweak and improve my in person setup and customer experience. I don’t currently have any events lined up, but I do plan to participate in many more events in the Bay Area and Los Angeles areas of California. I would love to meet you in person! I will post on my Instagram (@cosmic.pancake) if and when I am planning on another event.
Question 5: How has having an art business changed your daily life? Outside of doing art, what else keeps you busy?
Cosmic Pancake: Having an official art business is a huge undertaking! It is a lot different than doing freelance design work because I have to do a ton of things myself that I never really thought about before. I am constantly thinking of new art I want to make and how I want to sell that (on which products, etc). It’s kind of scary to have so much freedom to do what you want because I second guess myself a lot… but it has been so fulfilling and something I am proud of doing. Also, I have to shout out to my wife for her constant unwavering support! I’m not sure I’d have Cosmic Pancake at all without her.
Outside of art, I am a huuuuge fan of video games! I actually have a design job that I work for every day where I design graphics for a popular gaming news site. It’s pretty cool to get to connect two of my passions with my work. Some of my favorite games are Skyrim, Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West, and all of the Yakuza games. I also collect retro games and consoles- I have a pretty large collection! Besides video games, I also love going to the beach, antiquing, exploring California, listening to k-pop, and collecting Pokemon cards (Ditto is the best).
Question 6: How did you first find out about HATCH and how has your experience working with HATCH been?
Cosmic Pancake: I think the first time I heard about HATCH was when my wife sent me an email a few years ago that was asking for designers and artists to inquire about possibly making something with HATCH. I responded to the email and the rest is history! I have had the best time working with HATCH! Honestly, it has been my favorite company I’ve ever worked with. I have felt so welcomed and everyone has been so kind and encouraging. I always tell people I know in person how wonderful it has been to work with HATCH and how happy I am to be able to create some really fun art with them.
Question 7: I would love to hear how your art style and even life has changed from your first HATCH project to now?
Cosmic Pancake: My first project with HATCH was a Christmas ornaments pen in 2022 and I don’t think my style has changed a ton since then, but I also hope that I am constantly evolving as an artist. I try to push myself to learn new things and keep up with new ways to design and draw digitally. Life has gotten a lot busier for me since 2022 and especially since starting Cosmic Pancake. I think so much more about how digital art transfers into physical products and how I can problem solve and create things I am most proud of.
Question 8: What does the future hold for Cosmic.Pancake? Anything we can look forward to from you?
Cosmic Pancake: I am currently working on finishing up my website/shop and Etsy, which will all be completed very soon! I am hoping to be a part of some events this fall and winter, and of course I hope to create more with HATCH. :)
Question 9: What advice can you share with other aspiring creatives?
Cosmic Pancake: Find a style you feel is natural to you, so your art is distinct and recognizable. The biggest advice I’ve ever gotten is to not compare yourself to other artists. There’s room for everyone in art! Comparison truly is the thief of joy. There will ALWAYS be someone better than you or doing something more popular than you might be doing, but create art that makes you happy. Being your authentic self with your art will naturally attract people to your work.
Question 10: What’s the best way to keep up with you and your work?
Cosmic Pancake: My Instagram is where I post all my newest art and works-in-progress, as well as updates on events or new products for sale. I also have a website where you can find my (almost completed) shop.
IG: @cosmic.pancake
Website: cosmicpancakeshop.com
By Some Folks at EndlessPens
